Disclaimer: I, in no way, have or claim to have ownership of the series Samurai Champloo or characters in the anime/manga Samurai Champloo. This story, however, is completely my own creation.

Author note: I recently received a wonderful email alert by someone very nice who said that this fic was wonderful. That made my freaking day! I am really glad that people enjoy it. I am still updating. Just slowly. Thanks again!

Chapter 4: Hello

"Fuu-chan, I am surprised to see you here. Why did you come in?"

Toshimo, the owner of the teahouse, looked visibly surprised at my appearance in the restaurant. He hurriedly placed bowls of food onto tables as he moved closer to me standing at the entrance. His slight body easily moved through the cracks of people as if it were a dance he'd performed for several years. He stopped in front of me, eyes full of concern. I smiled weakly, almost dropping the small bit of reserve I'd gathered on the walk over.

"I know Toshimo-san but I just figured I should get away from home for a while."

Toshimo's eyes softened, reading beyond the exterior I was trying to keep. I looked down at my feet feeling as if I were a child once again. Tears gathered at the rim of my lids, daring to fall.

"I see. Why don't you go to the back with Akiko? She is cooking for the evening. I am sure she will need some help, especially if we continue to gain customers like we have today. It is a good thing you are here."

He smiled, patting me on the back as I walked past him. I was grateful for his sympathy knowing there were other helpers he could call in if needed. I walked past the droves of patrons. The teahouse was oddly full this evening and I was sure I would be called back to the front once it became dark. At least I could spend a few moments in the back to compose myself.

Akiko's small body lay hunched over a large pot struggling to ladle out the last bits of miso soup.

"Ahem."

I cleared my throat trying not to scare the woman. Akiko was older than I but seemed smaller and at times quite fragile. She was beautiful and well spoken, an obvious reason as to why Toshimo loved her so much. The couple were very good people and it was easy working for them.

Akiko's head turned at my small noise, her face brightened as she realized I was there.

"Fuu-chan! I am so happy to see you!"

She leaned back from the pot and stood to her feet, stretching to her full four feet stature. She embraced me and I actually felt comforted. I could have sat there and let her hold me forever. It was as if my mother was holding me, a sensation I needed desperately.

"Hello Akiko-san."

I slowly pulled away from her hold, regretting the move as soon as I was free.

"I see you are very busy tonight. Good thing I showed up, huh?"

Akiko arched her eyebrow as if she were looking into me and reading the words on my heart. Her face softened and she nodded.

"Hai. We have many visitors this evening. Some have come to visit the temple. I am sure they will make their presence known there as the week continues. I hope it does not bother you."

I shook my head. In the past week I learned many travelers were conned by the monk just as I had. But in the process they were touched by him too.

"Well then I might as well have you help me cook. My hands are not as quick as they once were. I welcome any help I can get."

I smiled. I was not given the opportunity to lift a finger in the kitchen in the temple, although I had not tried recently either. I wasn't quite sure I knew how to anymore.

The sun began to set and the occupants in the restaurant grew substantially. Orders were being made quicker than expected. It seemed more than just visitors for the temple were making their way into the city. Toshimo rushed into the kitchen.

"Some type of contest is to be held tomorrow. This is why we have so many samurai here!"

My mind began to wonder. The thought of samurai coming to this city made me feel…hopeful. As if somehow Mugen or Jin would show up. I caught myself smiling and forced the idea out of my head. This is not the time to be cheery. I have nothing to be happy about. My life is changing yet again.

"Fuu-chan, I may need you if the other two girls are unable to take orders quick enough. I do not want anything out of the ordinary to occur. Let's keep these gentlemen as happy as we can."

"Hai, Toshimo-san. Just let me know if you need me."

I nodded at him and he dashed back through the curtains to the front of the restaurant.

I leaned back on my feet, stretching my back and cracking my stiff fingers.

"I should have brought some of the food left at the temple. At least we wouldn't have to work as hard. I feel exhausted."

Akiko laughed and continued cooking. She was at her best, it seemed, preparing and cooking some meal for someone else no matter how much he or she wanted. In truth she did not really need me in the back at all. I learned how to cook well just by being around her.

"Well you will at least get some sort of a break once the larger crowd hits. It would be nice for you to mingle amongst the gentlemen outside. You are still a young woman Fuu-chan. No matter what the circumstances are you can still love."

She looked over to me and smiled. The monk was right. Getting away from the temple, if just for a night was making me feel better, but I had no intention of mingling with the strangers beyond the curtain. They were not my samurai.

"Fuu-chan! You must come out now! We are almost full to bursting and we still have more people coming in! You can tend to the tables at the front."

"But what of Akiko?"

I looked to my busy elder, knowing my presence was not needed.

"I will be fine Fuu-chan. The more the merrier!"

She gleefully scooped out more of the piping hot soup then turned to other pots needing attention.

I walked through the curtain and headed towards the front. The restaurant was indeed full forcing me to inch around customers seated on the floor. The calls began, men jarring for the attention of the young waitresses slinking around the tightly packed room. Young, old, thin, fat, men, all with a sword of this or that belching out their commands with the customary rude comment. Some of the men were attractive but I knew my heart was taken.

I lifted my head from the ground and out of my thoughts to the table closest to the door. My legs froze. I could hear my heartbeat thumping in my ears. My breathing became ragged and I could feel myself becoming light-headed. My eyes darted to the sides making sure no one noticed my abrupt stop in the middle of the room. I licked my lips and swallowed with a gulp.

'What is this? Is this a joke? What is going on?'

"What does a guy have to do to get some service around here?"

My shoulders slumped. I was getting dizzy and felt faint. This wasn't a dream. I knew his voice. My eyes weren't playing tricks on me. I would know the frazzled hair and tightly drawn ponytail anywhere. I could even smell them from where I stood. The thick scent of musk and sweat wafted to my nose even above the torrents of male bodies filling the room. My heart ached to be with them, to touch them, maybe more. I was happy to see the two, but I wasn't sure if I should approach the samurai.

"Fuu-chan, what is the matter?"

Toshimo stepped behind me placing a tender hand on my shoulder.

"Nothing, I'm fine."

I shook my head and forced myself to walk forward.

Jin's shoulders rose and settled softly as he breathed in and out. His black ponytail lay softly on the gray gi he wore. I wished often to pull off the band holding the black strains tightly together and release his long locks to flow past his shoulders. The sight of him on the cliff was still fresh in my mind. His glorious onyx mane flew about his muscular bare shoulders and chest as his stepped towards me as if out of no where. In the midst of that turmoil I wanted desperately to run my hands through the silk tendrils. The two swords he carried lay on his side as usual. I could see the skin of his neck and noticed he was now a soft tan only adding to his brilliant beauty. The corner of his wire rimmed glasses protruded from the side of his face.

Mugen scratched the side of his face, which looked shaven from the distance. I often admired the scraggly look of his appearance, even down to his clothes, or no clothes for that matter. The thought of his exposed body still tortured me, covered in water as he rose from the bath house wearing nothing but the blue tattoos around his wrists. I gazed at those markings thinking of the many dreams I'd enjoyed as they passed through my thoughts. Dreams in which he'd allow me to touch those very symbols of his rough past. I wanted to let him know I didn't care of where he'd been as long as he was with me now. My attention turned back to the present as his red shirt flowed a little behind him. He shifted his weight and the muscles of his shoulders tensed and relaxed with the movement.

I shivered at the sheer thought of being this close to them. My feet began to glide towards their table slower than I previously walked.

"Hello."

I pushed the word past my lips hoping my muffled greeting was heard. My face remained blank as I stared down at the duo. It was the only way to contain the acrobatic stunts my body wanted to execute at the sight of them.

Their eyes lifted slowly and simultaneously. It felt like an eternity would pass before our eyes would meet. But then it happened. I was glancing into two pairs of the most beautiful eyes I'd ever known.

"Hello Fuu-chan."

Jin's voice revealed his faint surprise, although his face remained calm as if my appearance was nothing new to him. He closed his eyes and crossed his arms, pushing me out of his vision.

Mugen stared, his mouth slightly hung open and for just a moment he looked as if he could not think of something to say. A vague astonishment crossed his eyes, only for a moment.

I stared at him awaiting his response, his silence almost scaring me.

"I didn't know you worked here."

His voice gave a hint of annoyance with my presence. His lips curled into an irritated expression.

I frowned, feeling neither changed. They were still the same, giving me mixed emotions of our friendship. I was happy to see them, but upset neither appeared to have the same outlook I harbored. I began to grow angry with them.

"Well what do you want? I have other customers you know!"

"Dumplings and sake for me. Keep them coming because I'm hungry hell."

Mugen patted his stomach; the growl releasing seconds with his words.

"Nothing new there."

I looked to Jin.

"Miso soup and tea please."

I walked back to the kitchen and placed the orders. The night continued and more orders were taken. My eyes kept darting over to their table. It was awful how handsome both of them were. Even in my anger I couldn't deny how their features were just as striking three years ago. Unfortunately, it probably meant I still looked like the part of the 15 year old girl I was then. I had finally been blessed with the breasts I wanted and even noticed the similar curves of my mother now appearing on my own body. I was a woman now but just seeing the two made me feel as if I were being thrown back in time.

The flow into the restaurant finally slowed. Fewer customers were entering and those present were beginning to leave. Akiko was a quick cook indeed. She shot out the orders as quickly as they were given. Jin and Mugen's order came up and I brought it to their table.

"So are you here for the swordsmen contest tomorrow?"

I asked blurting the words before either could speak.

"Well actually…"

"Yeah we are here for the contest."

Mugen interrupted pushing more food into his mouth before Jin could complete his thought.

"Oh."

I felt myself begin to sink to the floor on the opposite side of the table. I quietly watched the men I loved eat, studying their features and trying my best to read their true intentions. But nothing came forth. I sighed aloud.

"Well do you have a place to stay for the night?"

Exasperation hung in my words as I wished only to be close to them for the night.

Mugen looked up from his plate. He swallowed and blinked before he began to speak.

"Uh yeah we sure do. We may be here for a while with the contest and all."

"Would you mind if we stayed with you Fuu-chan."

Jin placed his teacup back on the table.

"No. Not at all!"

My voice was a lot more cheerful than I intended. I saw the both of them smirk slightly and continue to eat.

"I-I mean there is always space at the temple for individuals who need room and board."

"So you live at the Zen Temple?"

Jin's eyes seemed to boar a whole in my head as he looked straight into my eyes.

Mugen shifted his position uneasily at the name. Jin looked over to him irritated by his odd behavior. Mugen's eyebrows furrowed as if he were trying to explain something to Jin without speaking. Jin turned back to me.

"How is Father…?"

"Uh, Fuu when do you get off, it looks like it is getting pretty quiet in here."

I looked around and noticed the restaurant was quite empty.

"Oh right, it's about time to go. Hold on a minute."

I stood and walked to the kitchen, telling Toshimo and Akiko I was leaving. I noticed Mugen whispering something to Jin as I returned.

'Always keeping secrets from me.'

"Okay, we can go."

I began to walk towards the door and heard their footsteps close behind mine. My body froze as if chills were running through me, not from the night's air but from how close their bodies where to mine. At any moment I could reach back and grab hold of either one. But that was my problem. Which one? At the moment it didn't matter, both were following me. I was the leader this time. A fought the now creeping across my lips. But it was there, nonetheless. And so were they.

The road leading back to the temple was quiet and lit by the glow of the stars. It was beautiful beyond compare. The presence of Mugen and Jin only enhanced the sight. I was actually beginning to feel happy again. At any moment I could break into dance or song. My heart felt light and my mind was full of cheer.

Until I looked up. I could see the temple ahead and quickened my step as I thought of the monk.

"Hello Fuu-chan."

One of the rabid hens sat perched on the porch of the temple peering over at my companions. Her hand floated up to her throat as a bird might into a branch. She stroked the aged skin, glancing quickly between the pair.

"How are you doing now dear?"

The other women appeared quickly, gawking as we moved closer.

"Fine, thank you. These gentlemen are in need of room and board. The temple doors are still opened to whoever needs it. I will be able to manage on my on now. Thank you ladies, I appreciate your help."

I bowed deep and long, hoping the women would catch the hint of my formal dismissal. But there was no such luck.

They stood, dragging their set eyes over Mugen and Jin. I could feel fire churning in the pit of my stomach. They were 100 years older than the both of them! How could they even think of finding a husband at such an old age!

I reached back to grab Mugen and Jin's hands, pulling them forward as I pitched through the crowd.

"Come along gentlemen I will show you to your quarters for the evening."

I pulled them roughly out of the hens' scrutiny. I could feel my face blazing with embarrassment. Not of my brazen and bizarre behavior with the women but over the fact that my small hand was tucked within the strong grip of Mugen and Jin's hands. And more importantly they both grasped my hands just as tightly. I didn't want to let go, the electricity from our union zipped through my body ending behind my bosom. Suddenly I stood before the two empty rooms, wishing I could walk but a shorter distance ahead only to make the moment last a small while longer. But I couldn't.

I dropped their hands, turning quickly to face them, and then looked up.

Fate was cruel. How could something so perfect and wonderful be located within two men? Two men as different as nigh and day.

"Well you can sleep here tonight. You should remember where the wash house is and I will have something cooked in the morning."

We all stood in silence. Their eyes seemed to burrow into me and I felt like crying all over again, but this time out of confusion. Why did I feel this way about them both? Why couldn't I say anything?

I bowed slightly and hurried to my room. Thank goodness they were on the opposite side of the temple. I let my head rest on the door leading into my room. I looked to the side and noticed the door leading into the monk's room slightly opened. I walked over and tiptoed inside.

"No need in being quiet. I am wide-awake. Perhaps I can not fall asleep until I know you are in this temple safely."

I grinned, feeling warmed by his sweet words.

"Did anything come to you tonight, Fuu-chan?"

His face wrinkled as a smile slowly began to appear.

"Yes I do believe it did."

"Hmm, I thought so."

I looked at the monk confused.

"You could not have known Jin and Mugen would come here today."

He smiled turning his eyes to the ceiling.

"I told you once before, all encounters happen but once in a life time. Remember?"

"Yes but we an encounter and then we parted."

He nodded and looked over to me.

"You parted on your own accord but it did not mean time intended for your encounter to be discontinued."

I looked at him not completely understanding what he was implying.

"Don't worry child, you will understand once the time comes. Go to bed now. You have much to look forward to tomorrow."

A/N: Sayonara'